Chelsea looks to exact revenge on United

Updated: 05 April 2011 16:37 IST

The dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Manchester United in the 2008 Champions League final remains fresh in the memory of Chelsea's players ahead of Wednesday's quarterfinal first leg between the two English giants.

Written by Associated Press

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The dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Manchester United in the 2008 Champions League final remains fresh in the memory of Chelsea's players ahead of Wednesday's quarterfinal first leg between the two English giants.

United and Chelsea were paired in Europe's elite competition for the first time since that rainy night in Moscow three years ago, when Alex Ferguson's side won 6-5 on spot-kicks following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

The scars of that agonizing defeat still haven't healed at the London club, which is yet to win the Champions League.

"If our players think about the game in Moscow, obviously they are not happy," Ancelotti said. "John Terry (who missed a penalty in the shootout) is not happy about what he lost in that game, other players are not happy also and that could be a good motivation.

"This could be a destiny. It could be the real time that Chelsea do something in the Champions League."

Chelsea will get even more satisfaction from knocking out United, given that Ferguson's men are on the verge of ousting them as English champions.

United is top of the Premier League, 11 points ahead of third-place Chelsea, which has a game in hand but is unlikely to bridge the gap in the final seven weeks of the season.

The Blues are, however, showing improved form after their midseason slump and hasn't lost in two months. During that run, Chelsea defeated United 2-1 at home in the league to extend its impressive recent record against the northwest side, which has won only three of their last 19 competitive meetings.

"Our record against United is very good, especially at home, and we go into the game thinking it could be an advantage," Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech said. "Playing at home, if we get a good result, we will be in a good position."

United, a three-time European champion, is still smarting from its 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge on March 1, when Chelsea rallied from a goal behind at halftime thanks to center back David Luiz and midfielder Frank Lampard.

Wednesday's first leg promises to be just as close.

"It's such a tough place to go, Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea are playing well as well," United winger Ryan Giggs said. "You want to go into that game in good form."

Spain striker Fernando Torres could return for Chelsea after starting on the bench in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Stoke in the Premier League but Luiz, a fellow signing in the January transfer window, is ineligible.

United, coming into the game on the back of a 4-2 win at West Ham on the weekend, is set to again be without Rio Ferdinand, who has been nursing a calf injury.